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Cited by 99Artificial Intelligence in EducationEFL/ESL Teaching and LearningEducational Technology and Pedagogy

Enhancing the emotional aspects of language education through generative artificial intelligence (GenAI): A qualitative investigation

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Kohnke, Lucas, Moorhouse, Benjamin Luke·2025·Computers in Human Behavior
DOI 10.1016/j.chb.2025.108600
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Abstract

This qualitative study investigates the impact of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) on the emotional engagement, motivation and well-being of first-year university students in Hong Kong. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 21 students and three instructors to explore their perceptions of how GenAI influences the affective dimensions of language learning. The data were analyzed using manual coding and inductive thematic analysis to identify key themes. The findings revealed that GenAI generally enhances students’ motivation, reduces anxiety and stress, and fosters an emotionally supportive learning environment. However, challenges related to cultural context and technical issues were also identified. The study highlights the pivotal role of instructors in shaping students’ experiences with GenAI and underscores the need for ongoing support and professional development. It also demonstrates the importance of cultural sensitivity, technological infrastructure and balance. The study is valuable for those who aim to harness GenAI while preserving the irreplaceable human elements of teaching. It contributes to the growing body of knowledge on integrating AI in language learning. • GenAI enhances emotional engagement, motivation, and well-being in language learning. • Students perceive GenAI as reducing anxiety and creating supportive learning environments. • Cultural context and technical issues pose challenges to effective GenAI integration. • Instructors' attitudes towards GenAI significantly influence student experiences. • Balancing GenAI and human elements is crucial for effective language education.

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  • Effective GenAI integration requires balancing linguistic gains with emotional engagement, critical reflection, and ethical awareness.

    “effective GenAI integration requires balancing linguistic gains with emotional engagement, critical reflection, and ethical awareness [6, 15].”

    From Evaluating the impact of using ChatGPT on EFL students’ argumentative skills (2026) · cites this paper as [15]

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Authors
Kohnke, L., & Moorhouse, B. L.
Affiliations
  • Education University of Hong Kong (HK)
  • City University of Hong Kong (HK)
Corresponding author
Kohnke, Lucas
ORCID
Venue
Computers in Human Behavior
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2025-06
Volume
167
Pages
108600
ISSN
0747-5632 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.chb.2025.108600
OpenAlex
W4407558782
Cited by
75
References
85
Citations by year
2026: 48 · 2025: 27
FWCI
78.63
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Computers in Human Behavior (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • CityU Scholars (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › Artificial Intelligence in Education
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Language and Linguistics › EFL/ESL Teaching and Learning
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Artificial Intelligence › Educational Technology and Pedagogy
Keywords
generative AI, language learning, emotional engagement, student motivation, student well-being, anxiety reduction, first-year students, instructor attitudes, cultural context, technical challenges, Hong Kong

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